Lion Links: 12/9/18

Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend as we quickly approach the holiday season…but enough with the small talk; let’s hop right on in today’s serving of Links. Enjoy!

Atlanta Wins MLS Cup

The 2018 MLS Cup between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers provided quality play, full of spectacles, goals, and drama. Ultimately, it was Atlanta United that came out on top. Josef Martinez capitalized off of a Portland mistake and put his side ahead, 1-0. Then later in the second half, Francisco Escobar scored off of a set piece, making the score 2-0, where it would end with Atlanta winning its first ever MLS Cup final — in just its second year of play. Even as rivals, kudos, Atlanta.

MLS Half-Day Trade Window Today

Today, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m., marks MLS’s Half-Day Trade Window. Keep an eye on moves being made throughout the league. It may be a short time period, but blockbuster trades have found their way to completion during this short period. For example, the trade of Kei Kamara to the Vancouver Whitecaps and Walker Zimmerman’s move to LAFC last year occurred during this window. Time will tell if the Lions’ brass decides to make any aggressive moves during the period, but there’s sure to be some movement.

USWNT Discovers World Cup Group State Opponents

The Stars and Stripes will be facing off against Thailand, Chile, and Sweden in Group F during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Yesterday’s draw set the groups for next year’s event, to be hosted in France from June 7 to July 7. It is sure to be an exciting tournament. As for the group placing, the Stars and Strips won’t be taking their perceived inferior opposition lightly.

“It’s a good group in terms of we have three different teams, a European team, Asia and South America,” U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis said from Paris. “In our opening game we have Thailand, who we’ve played once, and I like playing teams that we haven’t played a lot. Then, obviously we have a familiar foe in Sweden. It’s a good group and I’m excited to get this thing started!”

Former Lions Gaffer Jason Kreis Linked with LA Galaxy Move

Jason Kreis, the former manager of MLS sides Real Salt Lake, New York City FC, and most recently Orlando City, is now being touted as a potential candidate to take over the LA Galaxy. Newly appointed general manager, Dennis Te Kloese, is rumored to want to enlist the services of Kreis. Iconic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already stated his desire for Dom Kinnear to return, so Kinnear would likely remain as an assistant to Kreis if the move comes to fruition.

Free Kicks

• Tab Ramos will not be FC Dallas’ new head coach, due to the two parties not being able to reach a compensation agreement.
• The New York Red Bulls are reflecting on their recent failings.
• New York City FC announced the re-signing of French defensive stalwart Maxime Chanot to a multi-year contract extension.
• Here’s a quick breakdown of the dramatic Premier League action this weekend that ultimately leaves Liverpool atop the table.
• Barcelona’s pacey left back Jordi Alba believes the prestigious Ballon d’Or award won by Real Madrid’s Luka Modric is a lie for not going to Lionel Messi, blaming a Madrid media campaign for Messi’s fifth place in voting.

Well, that’s about all I have for you this Sunday, folks. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and stay tuned!